German Vocabulary: Things found around the House

If you are in someone’s house, it’s good to know how to refer to the various objects of the household. Our list below will teach you some of the phrases and vocabulary to help simplify your German living. So sit back, relax, and start learning.

Basic rooms in the House

Let’s get started. Make yourself at home.

The “Bathroom” in German

Das Badezimmer

Sometimes shortened to “Bad”, bathrooms in Germany typically hold a bathtub, sink, and toilet. However, the “Badesimmer” may refer to a room just meant for bathing, as toilets and bathtubs are sometimes located in separate rooms.

Unlike in the States, you wouldn’t ask for the “Badezimmer” in a restaurant. Rather, the word “Toilette” would be more acceptable.

Here’s a sample conversation:

“Wo ist das Badezimmer?”

“Where is your bathroom?”

“Wilst du ein Bad nehmen?”

“Do you want to take a bath?”

The “Living room” in German

Das Wohnzimmer

The “Wohnzimmer” is the heart of any household. The biggest, the best, and the most welcoming room of the house. Pay it some respect and memorize the word.

“Das ist mein Wohnzimmer.”

“This is my living room.”

“Es ist wunderschon!”

“It’s beautiful!”

The “Bedroom” in German

Das Schlafzimmer

If someone presents to you the “Das Schlafzimmer” you’ll be staying in, and you don’t understand what they are saying, you may be missing out on a good night’s rest. So you better get studying.

The “Guestroom” in German

If you have a guest room, then you are more than likely a fancy person. Fancy people know their vocabulary. So, you have no excuse. Maybe you should use your fancy guestroom to study.

“Wo schläfst du?”

“Where do you sleep?”

“Ich schlafe im Gästezimmer.”

“I sleep in the guestroom.”

The “Kitchen” in German

Die Küche

The place where you go to cut onions when you need an excuse to cry. Also, my favorite place to drink some coffee with friends.

“Wo ist der Kuchen?”

“Where is the cake?”

“In der küche.”

“It’s in the kitchen.”

Objects in the Living room

Get to know all the stuff that makes a house a home.

The “Sofa” in German

Das sofa

A good place to rest after a long day. Also, “Das sofa” is a good word to know when you upset your German speaking lover.So you know where you will be sleeping that night.

“Das Sofa ist interessant.”

“The sofa is interesting.”

“Gut, hier schläfst du heute Nacht.”

“Good, it’s where you are sleeping tonight.”

The “Television” in German

Das Fernseher

What pairs better with “Das sofa” than “Das Fernseher”? When you have a whole lot of nothing to do, you might as well relax and watch some of that quality German “Fernseher”. It is good to immerse yourself in the language after all.

“Ich habe einen neuen Fernseher gekauft.”

“I bought a new television.”

“Was gibt's heute Nacht im Fernsehen?”

“What’s on TV tonight?”

The “Furniture” in German

Die Möbel

Need to buy some furniture? Then you might want to get acquainted with this word before your next trip to the German IKEA. Putting your new “Mobel” together is another story though.

In diesem Geschäft sind die Möbel ganz billig.

In this shop the furniture is cheap.

Ich liebe IKEA!

I love IKEA!

Objects in the Bathroom

Now for the place where you clean yourself up and do the things you’d prefer not to talk about.

The “Shower” in German

Die Dusche

Do you prefer a morning “Dusche” or a night “Dusche”? Either way, you will want to know this word when you are staying in a German hostel and need to “Dusche” before that early morning check out.

Wo ist die Dusche?

Where is the shower?

Da drüben.

Over there?

The “Bathtub” in German

Die badewanne

There is nothing like stepping into a nice hot “badewanne” after a long day of traveling. It’s a great place to relax with some scented candles and your favorite German to English dictionary.

“Ich stieg gerade in die Badewanne, als das Telefon läutete.”

“I was just getting into the bathtub when the phone rang.”

“Ich habe nicht geantwortet.”

“I did not answer.”

The “Towel” in German

Das Handtuch

You are going to need a “Handtuch” after you get out of the “badewanne”.

“Hast du ein Handtuch?”

“Do you have a towel?”

”Hier, bitte!”

“Here you are!”

The “Bathroom sink” in German

Das Waschbecken

The “Waschbecken” is the place where we wash up and prepare for the day. When someone is beckoning for a wash, head to “das Waschbecken”. Don’t judge me, it’ll help you remember.

“Jetzt ist das Waschbecken verstopft!”

“The bathroom sink is clogged!”

“Ich werde es reparieren.”

“I’ll fix it.”

The “Toilet” in German

Die Toilette

Asking to use “die Toilette” does not sound as rude as it does in American English. So don’t be afraid, say “Die Toilette” with pride.

Example scenario of usage:

“Wo ist die Toilette?”

“Where is the toilet?”

“Es ist genau hier.”

“It’s right here.”

The “Mirror” in German

Der Spiegel

When you need a friend and no one is around, why not talk with Mr. “Spiegel”? Also, “Der Spiegel” is a good place to check out that new outfit you just bought.

“Hast du einen Spiegel?”

“Do you have a mirror?”

“Ja, es ist hier drüben.”

“Yes, it’s over here.”

The “Faucet” in German

der Wasserhahn

I prefer drinking water straight from “der Wasserhahn”.However, most Germans prefer bottled water.

“Kann ich aus dem Wasserhahn trinken?”

“Can I drink from the faucet?”

“Ja, natürlich.”

“Yes, of course.”

There you have it. The objects of the house. I would recommend making flashcards and placing them on the corresponding things.

Want to learn German words in context? Check out the German Short Stories e-book below!